Blended Learning

Blended learning is a combination of various training platforms and media technologies. It is a blend of e-learning and traditional face-to-face teaching along with self-paced learning. This type of learning is not only used in colleges but also by organizations who wish to train their employees. Blended learning offers flexibility and convenience, both of which are important characteristics in any learning process. It offers a range of learning tools that result in a more robust educational experience as compared to a traditional one.
Blended Learning Process

When implementing the blended learning approach it is important to know your target audiences. A corporate trainer would use different elements as opposed to an instructor of college students. It’s best to consult previous learning programs, evaluate the different tools used and see how they can be improved by using the right mix of technology and activities. No single model or blend of media fits all. There are some basic guidelines but the right blend depends on many criteria. These include business strategy, program type, budget, audience, resources, content duration, content stability and technology infrastructure available. Like in any other learning procedure, instructor plays a very important role in blended learning as well. They convey enthusiasm, expert knowledge and experience. Instructor-led training has a cultural effect as it encourages people to people interaction. Blended Learning for corporate would ideally include a face-to-face with the instructor, who other than sharing his knowledge would also relate real life experiences. E-learning would add extension to the traditional learning of face-to-face, while support from technology such as video conferencing could further enhance the communication level.  Combination of different elements created a perfect blend.
Similarly, a blend of face-to-face training by the instructor and the support provided by computers in a college classroom, would allow students to learn things practically, hence creating a perfect blended learning process.

Course Design
From a course design perspective, a blended course can include anything from face-to-face to fully online learning environment. Blended Learning is widespread and depends on the instructor, the types of elements he uses in course designing. It could be any traditional course with a combination of ongoing dialog with the participants or continuing e-mail connection. For corporate or even for post-grad students it could be a combination of traditional workshop or seminar in conjunction with a teleconference feature. Course designing for blended learning can vary, depending on the audiences, type of course or program and the availability of resources. It could be a combination of any technology with any educational programming.

Benefits of Blended Learning Approach
Blended Learning provides the instructor an opportunity to combine traditional methods with newer formats to introduce learners to better ways of learning. It brings together different learning styles that lead to more stimulated and motivated learners. Competition is on the rise in every sector. To keep up educators and employers need to implement ways that effectively educate and train people, and at the same time are efficient as well as cost-effective. Blended Learning uses technology to deliver training anywhere and anytime. It’s a continued process as it keeps the chain of learning active and produces well-learned, educated people.